DE102017203495A1 - Apparatus for identifying objects, collecting data and controlling work processes, system for controlling logistical processes, method for operating the apparatus and use of the apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for identifying objects, collecting data and controlling work processes, comprising a workwear part for carrying on the arm and / or on the hand, a receiving unit (5) integrated in the workwear part for receiving signals of the objects, a reading device for reading the from the receiving unit (5) received signals, characterized in that the device comprises a mobile terminal (9), wherein the mobile terminal is equipped with an evaluation and control unit and a memory unit, wherein in the mobile terminal (9) deposited a process logic is, wherein an electrical connection is present, with which the mobile terminal (9) with the reading device for powering the reader and for transmitting the acquired data from the reading device to the mobile terminal (9) is electrically connectable, wherein the evaluation and control unit set up is, the detected data according to one in the mobile terminal (9) out checked process logic, and that the work clothing part includes a receptacle (10) for the mobile terminal, which is adapted to releasably fix the mobile terminal (9) on the workwear part.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a device for identifying an object, collecting data and controlling work processes, comprising: a workwear part for carrying on the arm and / or on the hand, a receiving unit integrated in the workwear part, in particular an RFID antenna, for receiving signals from the Object and a reader for reading the signals received by the receiving unit.

Such a device is known for example from DE 10 2015 111 56 A1

RFID reading systems are used to identify objects (e.g., goods or containers for goods) and are used inter alia to automate logistical movements. The objects are provided with an RFID transponder, which can be read by means of an RFID reader. The captured information is e.g. used to put the objects in the right storage racks.

DE 10 2015 111 56 A1 discloses a workwear unit comprising a wristband with an integrated control unit and a glove with an integrated RFID reader and an antenna, the reader being connectable to the control unit. The reader identifies workpieces and determines the position of the user. The glove includes sensors on the fingertips that serve as switches to activate the reading function of the reader. The control unit comprises a microcomputer, with the aid of which the antenna is controlled and data detected by the antenna are transmitted to a higher-level system. The information obtained is subjected to a plausibility check in order to give the user feedback.

Although a handy device is provided by the known workwear, which reduces the time required for data acquisition; However, the data recording and battery capacity are correspondingly low, so that a review of the collected data regarding prescribed processes, in particular logistical processes can only take place in connection with an external computer. Accordingly, the feedback can only be made if there is a data connection of workwear to the external computer. In the case of a missing connection to this external computer, there can be no immediate control and therefore no timely feedback. In addition, there is a risk that the user forgets to activate the reading function by means of the sensors. Both can lead to an increased error rate. Another problem is that to change the control unit at least the bracelet must be completely replaced. For reasons of hygiene, therefore, at least two of these bracelets with integrated control unit must be provided for each user.

Object of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device with which work processes can be flexibly controlled in a reliable, cost-effective and simple manner.

Description of the invention

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1, a system for controlling logistic processes according to claim 11, a method according to claim 13 and a use according to claim 15.

According to the invention, the device comprises a mobile terminal, wherein the mobile terminal is equipped with an evaluation and control unit and a memory unit, wherein in the mobile terminal, a process logic is stored, wherein an electrical connection is provided, with the mobile terminal to the reader for Power supply of the reading device and for transferring the acquired data from the reading device to the mobile terminal is electrically connected, and wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to check the detected data according to the deposited in the mobile terminal process logic. According to the invention the workwear part comprises a receptacle for the mobile terminal, which is adapted to releasably fix the mobile terminal on the workwear part.

The objects are equipped with a readable identification feature, in particular an RFID transponder, which can be read out by means of the reading device. The objects were preferably portable objects, in particular small load carriers or packages that are moved manually. In addition, objects may include hand-operated tools or other objects that are picked up or operated by hand.

The reader is integrated or attachable in the workwear part.

As a "terminal" in the context of the invention, a portable end user device is understood on which a (freely accessible) operating system (eg iOS, Microsoft Windows, Unix, Android) is installed and on which a process logic is deposited, which the Determines work processes. The processes to be carried out with the device according to the invention are therefore stored on the mobile terminal and can be displayed on this and processed directly by means of the evaluation and control unit of the mobile terminal and evaluated according to the stored process logic. By means of the device according to the invention, thus, the control of the work processes can be carried out independently, ie independent of a data connection to a higher-level system. The mobile terminal can indeed be connected to a higher-level system (eg a central computer) via WLAN or Bluetooth, in which the detected and / or or evaluated data can be stored and merged with data from other mobile devices, but due to the above properties is able to control even without such a higher-level system, logistical processes according to the deposited process logic. This allows offline review of business processes. The operator can thus immediately receive feedback from the device according to the invention independently of a current connection to the higher-level system (offline check), that is, for example, even if there is no WLAN connection or in a radio hole.

The mobile terminal is further provided with interfaces which allow wired input and output of data (e.g., USB interface). Preferably, the mobile terminal is designed to parameterize applications by the user, in particular by manual intervention during the work process.

The mobile terminal may e.g. be designed as a handheld, industrial device or as a smartphone.

In contrast to the devices known from the prior art, in the device according to the invention, the mobile terminal is not integrated in the workwear part, but detachably fastened on the workwear part (for example by means of a slip-in cover or a clamping or latching connection). The terminal can therefore be easily exchanged, e.g. to recharge the battery, to replace an old model with a new one, or to replace the terminal due to a changed requirement (other work processes, other users). The workwear part does not need to be taken out of service when the terminal is replaced, but can be reused by the same user. Since only the terminal without parts of the workwear part can be exchanged if necessary, the terminal can be used by another user without having to clean the workwear part.

By using a removable mobile device with stored process logic, a fully automatic control of workflows is made possible and the flexibility and possible uses of the device significantly increased.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the reading device is set up to read out data with a predeterminable clock frequency in an operating mode and the mobile terminal is set up to control the reading device. The operating mode is preferably activated by turning on the mobile terminal. The clock frequency can be specified, for example, by the process logic. The reader does not have to be activated separately for each read, but is always ready to use. The risk of misuse by the user can be reduced.

It is particularly advantageous if the reading device is set up to vary the clock frequency. The distance of the reading intervals can then be adapted, for example, to the operating situation.

The mobile terminal preferably comprises a display and is set up to display a feedback depending on the result of the checking of the data in accordance with the process logic stored in the mobile terminal. The feedback can be done by means of readable text and / or pictograms.

A preferred embodiment provides that the workwear part comprises a hand cuff or a glove having an arm side portion, a palm portion and a back portion of the hand. The execution as a hand cuff is particularly advantageous because it can be worn over the actual work glove and thus without loss of respect. The hygiene standards can also be used by different users.

The reading device is preferably arranged on or in the back of the hand, the receiving unit on or in the palm section, in particular in the region of a handball of a user to be accommodated in the workwear part. This allows the object to be identified when touched.

The receptacle for the mobile terminal is preferably arranged on or in the arm frame side section. With this arrangement, a terminal having a large display can be comfortably carried and the display read in an ergonomic posture.

Alternatively, the receptacle for the mobile terminal may be part of a bracelet. The bracelet is preferably removable from the workwear part and / or variably positionable with respect to the workwear part. In this way, the position of the mobile terminal can be varied.

In a particular embodiment of the device according to the invention, the receiving unit comprises at least two RFID antennas. The two RFID antennas may both be located at the palm portion to increase the reading area or to increase the flexibility of the array on different sides (palm portion and back of the hand). In addition, it can be distinguished from which antenna the respective signals were received, as a result of which additional information regarding the object is obtained, in particular if different objects are to be detected by the different antennas.

The mobile terminal preferably has a database, which can be updated, for example, via WLAN, Bluetooth or via a local editor.

The invention also relates to a system for controlling logistical processes, comprising: a predetermined number of load carriers for combining goods into loading units, each load carrier being provided with a one-to-one identification feature which can be read by the reading device, and a device as described above. The one-to-one identification feature allows an unambiguous assignment of an identification feature to a specific charge carrier, which, for example, enables traceability of the load carrier.

Preferably, it is a closed system, i. a limited number of valid identification features (e.g., a restricted number range) are assigned. The mobile terminal is configured to ignore unauthorized identification features. This allows the identification of the charge carriers, without detecting the goods contained therein.

The invention also relates to a method of using the device described above with a workwear part for carrying on the arm and / or the hand, a receiving unit integrated in the workwear part, a reading device (preferably integrated in the workwear part) and a mobile terminal detachably attachable to the workwear part, the method comprising the steps of: depositing a process logic in the mobile terminal; Supplying the reader with power via the mobile terminal; periodically starting read operations with a predeterminable, in particular variable, clock frequency as soon as the reader is in an operating mode; Transmission of data read by the reader to the mobile terminal, and verification of the data regarding the fulfillment of requirements defined by the stored process logic by the mobile terminal.

When the device according to the invention is used (operating mode), the mobile terminal is releasably fixed by means of the receptacle on the work clothing.

The mobile device is used to check whether the process step defined in the process logic has been executed correctly. According to the method of the invention, the device is permanently ready for use. Thus, once the device is in the operating mode, no action is required to start a read operation.

The periodic start of the reading process and the checking of the data by the mobile terminal realize a simple operation and a fully automatic recording of logistic sequences. On a comprehensive instruction of the operator can be dispensed with.

Preferably, the clock frequency is varied depending on the situation. The clock frequency can be adapted to different processes, operators or current activities of the operator. For example. can be stored in the mobile terminal that automatically extends the polling cycle (and thus reduces power consumption) if no transponder is detected within a given interval; or that the clock frequency is reduced when the device according to the invention determines that the operator is currently operating a vehicle. This is done according to the invention automatically, so that the user does not have to control this. In this way, on the one hand the availability of the device and on the other hand the power consumption can be optimized.

Preferably, the mobile terminal displays a feedback depending on the result of the check, in particular on a display.

In a particularly preferred variant of the method according to the invention, the clock frequency is varied depending on the situation, e.g. depending on given operating situations, and / or depending on the user.

The invention also relates to a use of the previously described device for detecting and controlling charge carriers, in particular for tracing carriers.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, according to the invention, the above-mentioned features and those which are still further developed can each be used individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations of any kind. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive enumeration, but rather have exemplary character for the description of the invention.

list of figures

• 1 shows the bottom (view of the palm of the hand) of the device according to the invention.
• 2 shows the top (view of the back of the hand) of the device according to the invention.
• 3 shows a built-in wristband recording for a mobile device.
• 4 shows a schematic representation of the operating method of a device according to the invention.

In 1 and 2 a particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown. The device comprises a workwear part in the form of a hand cuff 1 comprising a palm portion 2, an inner side portion 3 and a back of the hand 4 having. A receiving unit 5 (here comprising two RFID antennas) is on the palm portion 2 arranged so that when touching a with a readable identification feature 7 equipped object 6 Signals can be detected by the identification feature 7 out. The receiving unit 5 is with a reader 8th electrically connected, which reads the signals detected during a read operation. In the case of an RFID reader in such a reading at a predetermined reading interval (usually between 1/10 s to 5 s) magnetic alternating fields or high-frequency radio waves from the receiving unit 5 which are modulated by an identification feature (transponder) and thereby detected by the receiving unit.

The reader 8th is in the area of the back of the hand 4 the hand cuff 1 and arranged with a mobile terminal 9 electrically connected, leaving data between the terminal 9 and the reader 8th can be exchanged. The terminal 9 is by means of a recording 10 in the region of the Arminnenseitenabschnitts releasably with the hand cuff 1 connected (eg by plugging in a case or fixing with Velcro).

3 shows a particular embodiment of a recording 10 ' for the mobile device 9 , The recording 10 ' is part of a bracelet 15 which is over the workwear part 1 can be worn. The mobile device 9 can in the recording 10 ' be engaged and variably attached to the arm, eg on the inside of the arm or the outside of the arm.

4 schematically shows the running during operation of the device according to the invention operations.

Upon startup of the device, the device is placed in an operating mode in which the reader 8th periodically reads at a given clock frequency. Thus, read intervals are repeated periodically, without each read interval having to be activated separately. That of the receiving unit 5 detected signals are from the reader 8th read out and to the mobile device 9 transmitted. The mobile device 9 is with an evaluation and control unit 11 and a storage unit 12 equipped (in 3 indicated by dashed lines). According to the invention is on the mobile terminal 9 Defines a process logic that defines logistical processes. The process logic can be configured differently from one application to another. For example. is a case conceivable in which after the unique recognition of the object 6 a shelf space must be identified in which the object 6 should be stored. Both (identification of the object and identification of the shelf space) can be done by reading a corresponding identification feature. In another conceivable case, the recognition of the object 6 only recorded. In yet another case may be prescribed that a certain order of the detected objects 6 must be complied with. On the basis of the reader 8th transmitted data checked the mobile device 9 whether the prescribed processes were carried out correctly according to process logic and sends the user feedback, for example by displaying a message on a display 13 of the mobile terminal 9 ,

By the mobile terminal, the clock frequency of the reader can be varied, with which the reader read signals 14 sending out. This can be done manually by input or automatically as a function of a parameter that is determined, for example, from the mobile device accessible data, such as data transmitted by the reader or another device connected to the mobile device to the mobile device or data, the the mobile terminal itself determined.

As a parameter, for example, the location (GPS data), serve the current activity of the user. For example, the frequency can be reduced if the evaluation and control unit determines that the user is operating or driving a vehicle at a place that is not relevant with regard to the processes stored with the process logic. In this way, the device can be operated to save energy and still be guaranteed in operationally relevant situations high availability.

The device according to the invention comprises an intelligent computer unit, on which process steps to be carried out, in particular of multi-stage processes, are stored and can be displayed. In addition, the processing of the process steps (for example, picking or milkrum procedure) is recorded, controlled and checked. According to the invention, this can be done independently, without upstream or downstream IT system.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Hand cuff / Workwear part

2

Palm section

3

Arminnenseitenabschnitt

4

Hand back section

5

receiver unit

6

object

7

identification feature

8th

reader

9

mobile terminal

10, 10 '

Recording for mobile device

11

Evaluation and control unit

12

storage unit

13

display

14

read signals

15

Bracelet with recording for mobile device

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10201511156 A1 [0002, 0004]

Claims (15)

Device for identifying objects (6), collecting data and controlling work processes, comprising: a workwear part (1) for wearing on the arm and / or on the hand, a reception unit (5) integrated in the workwear part (1), in particular an RFID Antenna for receiving signals of the objects (6), a reading device (8) for reading out the signals received by the receiving unit (5), in particular an RFID reader, characterized in that the device comprises a mobile terminal (9), wherein the mobile terminal is equipped with an evaluation and control unit (11) and a memory unit (12), wherein in the mobile terminal (9) a process logic is stored, wherein an electrical connection is provided, with which the mobile terminal (9) with the reader for powering the reading device (8) and for transmitting the acquired data from the reading device (8) to the mobile terminal (9) is electrically connected, wherein the evaluation and S teuereinheit (11) is arranged to check the acquired data according to a stored in the mobile terminal (9) process logic that the workwear part (1) comprises a receptacle (10) for the mobile terminal, which is adapted to the mobile terminal ( 9) on the workwear part (1) releasably fix. Device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the reading device (8) is adapted to read data with a predetermined clock frequency and the mobile terminal (9) is adapted to control the reading device (8). Device after Claim 2 , characterized in that the reading device (8) is adapted to vary the clock frequency. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile terminal (9) comprises a display (13) and is adapted to display depending on the result of checking the data in accordance with the stored in the mobile terminal (9) process logic feedback , Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile terminal (9) is a handheld device, an industrial device or a smartphone. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the workwear part (1) comprises a hand cuff or a glove having a side arm portion (3), a palm portion (2) and a back portion (4). Device after Claim 6 , characterized in that the receptacle for the mobile terminal (9) is arranged on or in the arm-side section (3). Device after Claim 6 , characterized in that the receptacle (10) for the mobile terminal is part of a bracelet. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving unit (5) comprises at least two RFID antennas. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile terminal (9) has a database, which is preferably updatable via WLAN or Bluetooth. System for controlling logistical processes comprising: a predetermined number of load carriers for combining goods into load units, each load carrier being provided with a one-to-one identification feature which can be read by the reader, and a device according to any one of the preceding claims. System after Claim 11 , characterized in that it is a closed system. Method for operating a device according to one of the preceding claims, having a workwear part (1) for carrying on the arm and / or the hand, a receiving unit (5) integrated in the workwear part (1), a reading device (8) and on the workwear part (1) detachably securable mobile terminal (9), the method comprising the following steps: Depositing a process logic in the mobile terminal (9); Power supply to the reader (8) via the mobile terminal (9); Periodically starting read operations with a predefinable, in particular variable, clock frequency as soon as the reader (8) is in an operating mode; • transmission of the data read by the reader (8) data to the mobile terminal (9), and • Checking the data regarding fulfillment of requirements defined by the stored process logic by the mobile terminal (9). Method, after Claim 13 , characterized in that the clock frequency is varied depending on the situation. Use of the device according to one of Claims 1 to 10 for detecting and controlling charge carriers, in particular for tracing carriers.

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